UNESCO Geopark

Tony Devenish: Will you join with me in congratulating Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority Andy Street, for the Black Country being chosen by Unesco as a geopark. This will aid their tourism, why didn't you champion London as an alternative? Can you still do so?

The Mayor: I would like to join you in congratulating Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority Andy Street, for the Black Country being awarded UNESCO Global Geoparks status in recognition of its internationally important geology and rich cultural heritage and the partnerships committed to conserving, managing and promoting it. I agree with you that this prestigious award would boost the tourism in the area.
There are no sites in London that fits UNESCO’s description of Global Geoparks, which are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. London is already home to four UNESCO world heritage sites: The Tower of London; The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew; The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church; and Maritime Greenwich, which are a reflection of the capital’s fantastic culture and history, attracting visitors from around the world.